Baseline Characteristics and Risk Factors of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Patients

Pulmonary Hypertension in Connective Tissue Diseases Other than Systemic Sclerosis

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a known complication of certain connective tissue diseases (CTDs), with systemic sclerosis (SSc) being the most common in the Western world. However, PH in association with non-SSc CTD such as systemic lupus erythematous, mixed connective tissue disease, and primary Sjögren's syndrome constitutes a distinct subset of patients with inherently different epidemiologic profiles, pathophysiologic mechanisms, clinical features, therapeutic options, and prognostic implications. The purpose of this review is to inform a practical approach for clinicians evaluating patients with non-SSc CTD-associated PH.The development of PH in these patients involves a complex interplay between genetic factors, immune-mediated mechanisms, and endothelial cell dysfunction. Furthermore, the broad spectrum of CTD manifestations can contribute to the development of PH through various pathophysiologic mechanisms, including intrinsic pulmonary arteriolar vasculopathy (pulmonary arterial hypertension, Group 1 PH), left-heart disease (Group 2), chronic lung disease (Group 3), chronic pulmonary artery obstruction (Group 4), and unclear and/or multifactorial mechanisms (Group 5). The importance of diagnosing PH early in symptomatic patients with non-SSc CTD is highlighted, with a review of the relevant biomarkers, imaging, and diagnostic procedures required to establish a diagnosis.Therapeutic strategies for non-SSc PH associated with CTD are explored with an in-depth review of the medical, interventional, and surgical options available to these patients, emphasizing the CTD-specific considerations that guide treatment and aid in prognosis. By identifying gaps in the current literature, we offer insights into future research priorities that may prove valuable for patients with PH associated with non-SSc CTD.

Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients with Mixed Connective Tissue Disease: A Retrospective Study

Objective

To investigate the clinical features, severity and prognosis of interstitial lung disease (ILD) in patients with mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD).

Methods

We performed a retrospective study on clinical data of MCTD patients admitted to China-Japan Friendship Hospital between October 2012 and October 2022. Data including long-term follow-up were retrieved from medical records. We compared MCTD patients with and without ILD in terms of clinical features, laboratory and imaging findings, severity and treatment response.

Results

A total of 59 patients were included, with a mean age of 46 years, among which 91.5% (n = 54) were females. Symptoms of pulmonary involvement were present in 44 patients (74.6%, 95% CI: 62.3-84.9%). Based on lung high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT), ILD was diagnosed in 39 (66.1%) patients, among which 31 (79.5%) showed nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) as the radiological pattern, 21 (53.9%) showed a reticulation pattern, while 24 (61.5%) showed ground glass opacity (GGO). Eight (13.6%) patients had pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), and 7 (11.9%) had pleural effusions. Based on pulmonary function tests (PFTs), 27 patients were divided into the mild 13 (48.1%) and moderate 14 (51.9%) groups. Multivariate analysis showed that gastroesophageal reflux (GER; OR=5.28, p=0.010) and cough (OR=4.61, p=0.043) were the predictive factors for ILD. With a median follow-up of 50 months, the mortality rate was 2.38%.

Conclusion

ILD is common in MCTD patients, with NSIP as the common imaging pattern. Patients with GER and cough are relevant factors in the development of ILD. The majority of MCTD patients with ILD are mild to moderate in severity.

Idiopathic and connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH): Similarities, differences and the role of autoimmunity

Pre-capillary pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is hemodynamically characterized by a mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP) ≥ 20 mmHg, pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PAWP) ≤15 mmHg and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 2. PAH is classified in six clinical subgroups, including idiopathic PAH (IPAH) and PAH associated to connective tissue diseases (CTD-PAH), that will be the main object of this review. The aim is to compare these two PAH subgroups in terms of epidemiology, histological and pathogenic findings in an attempt to define disease-specific features, including autoimmunity, that may explain the heterogeneity of response to therapy between IPAH and CTD-PAH.

Risk factors of systemic lupus erythematosus patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

To investigate the risk factors for the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

The literature related to risk factors for the development of PAH in SLE patients was searched by the computer on China national knowledge infrastructure (CNKI), PubMed, and Embase, and the literature search was limited to the period of library construction to October 2022. Two researchers independently performed literature screening and literature information extracting, including first author, publication time, case collection time, sample size, and study factors, and used the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) to evaluate the quality of the literature. The relationship between each clinical manifestation and laboratory index and the occurrence of PAH in SLE patients was evaluated based on the ratio (OR value) and its 95% CI.

RESULTS

A total of 24 publications were included, including 23 case-control studies and 1 cohort study with NOS ≥ 6, and the overall quality of the literature was high. The risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients who developed Raynaud phenomenon than in those who did not [OR = 2.39, 95% CI (1.91, 2.99), P < .05]; the risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients who were positive for anti-RNP antibodies than in those who were negative for anti-RNP antibodies [OR = 1.77, 95% CI (1.17, 3.2.65), P < .05]; the risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients with interstitial lung lesions than in those without combined interstitial lung lesions [OR = 3.28, 95% CI (2.37, 4.53), P < .05]; the risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients with combined serositis than in those without serositis [OR = 2.28, 95% CI (1.83, 2.84), P < .05]. The risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients with combined pericardial effusion than in those without pericardial effusion [OR = 2.97, 95% CI (2.37, 3.72), P < .05]; the risk of PAH was higher in SLE patients with combined vasculitis than in those without vasculitis [OR = 1.50, 95% CI (1.08, 2.07), P < .05]; rheumatoid factor-positive SLE patients had a higher risk of PAH than those with rheumatoid factor-negative [OR = 1.66, 95% CI (1.24, 2.24), P < .05].

CONCLUSION

Raynaud phenomenon, vasculitis, anti-RNP antibodies, serositis, interstitial lung lesions, rheumatoid factor, and pericardial effusion are risk factors for the development of PAH in patients with SLE.

Risk Factors for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Review and Expert Consensus

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to identify risk factors associated with the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We conducted a systematic literature review of studies focusing on adult patients classified as having SLE-related PAH by searching the electronic databases Embase, Medline, Medline in-progress, Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Ichushi Web, Kmbase, and KoreaMed. Based on the findings, we conducted a Delphi survey to build expert consensus on issues related to screening for PAH in patients with SLE and on the importance and feasibility of measuring the identified factors in clinical practice.

RESULTS

We included 21 eligible studies for data synthesis. Sixteen factors were associated with an increased risk of SLE-PAH: pericardial effusion, serositis, longer duration of SLE, arthritis, acute and subacute cutaneous lupus, scleroderma pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy, diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the lungs (DLCO) <70% predicted, interstitial lung disease, thrombocytopenia, and seven serological factors. Six factors were associated with a decreased risk of SLE-PAH: malar/acute rash, hematologic disorder, renal disorder, higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, and two serological factors. Among these, there were six risk factors on which the panelists reached strong or general consensus (peak tricuspid regurgitation velocity on echocardiography >2.8 m/s, pericardial effusion, DLCO <70% predicted, scleroderma pattern on nailfold capillaroscopy, brain natriuretic peptide >50 ng/l, and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide >300 ng/l). The Delphi panel confirmed the need for a screening tool to identify patients with SLE at high risk of developing PAH and provided consensus on the importance and/or practicality of measuring the identified factors.

CONCLUSION

The risk factors we identified could be used in a screening algorithm to identify patients with SLE with a high risk of developing PAH to facilitate early diagnosis, which could improve prognosis and management of these patients.

Clinical characteristics and prognosis in systemic lupus erythematosus-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension based on consensus clustering and risk prediction model

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to explore the clinical characteristics and prognosis in SLE-PAH based on consensus clustering and risk prediction model.

METHODS

A total of 205 PAH (including 163 SLE-PAH and 42 idiopathic PAH) patients were enrolled retrospectively based on medical records at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2014 to June 2021. Unsupervised consensus clustering was used to identify SLE-PAH subtypes that best represent the data pattern. The Kaplan-Meier survival was analyzed in different subtypes. Besides, the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator combined with Cox proportional hazards regression model were performed to construct the SLE-PAH risk prediction model.

RESULTS

Clustering analysis defined two subtypes, cluster 1 (n = 134) and cluster 2 (n = 29). Compared with cluster 1, SLE-PAH patients in cluster 2 had less favorable levels of poor cardiac, kidney, and coagulation function markers, with higher SLE disease activity, less frequency of PAH medications, and lower survival rate within 2 years (86.2% vs. 92.8%) (P < 0.05). The risk prediction model was also constructed, including older age at diagnosis (≥ 38 years), anti-dsDNA antibody, neuropsychiatric lupus, and platelet distribution width (PDW).

CONCLUSIONS

Consensus clustering identified two distinct SLE-PAH subtypes which were associated with survival outcomes. Four prognostic factors for death were discovered to construct the SLE-PAH risk prediction model.

Association of red cell distribution width with pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with mixed connective tissue disease

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. Still, the demographic characteristics and risk factors of PAH in MCTD remain poorly understood. This study explored risk factors for PAH development in MCTD.

METHODS

Data from patients with MCTD and PAH hospitalized from May 2009 to December 2022 in a single center were collected and compared with patients with MCTD without PAH. The variables were analyzed by logistic regression to identify the factors associated with PAH in patients with MCTD. The receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the diagnostic value of the identified factors.

RESULTS

Finally, 119 patients with MCTD were included; 46 had PAH. The mean age at PAH onset and diagnosis was 38.9 ± 13.4 and 39.9 ± 13.7 years, respectively. The median pulmonary arterial systolic pressure (PASP) was 67.0 mmHg. The median brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level was 180.0 pg/ml at PAH diagnosis. Red cell distribution width (RDW) (OR: 2.128; 95% confidence interval: 1.497-3.026; P < 0.001) was associated with PAH in patients with MCTD. There was a positive correlation between RDW and PASP (r = 0.716, P < 0.001). At a cutoff of 15.2%, RDW had the best sensitivity (80.4%) and specificity (82.2%) for PAH.

CONCLUSION

RDW may serve as a sensitive index to predict PAH in patients with MCTD.

Value of Autostrain LV in the study of left ventricular systolic function and synchronization in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

BACKGROUND

There are relatively few studies investigating cardiac structural and functional abnormalities associated with systemic lupus erythematous (SLE). The long-term prognosis of SLE patients is closely related to the cardiovascular events caused by SLE. Accordingly, it is necessary to assess early myocardial systolic function and synchrony.

METHODS

Overall, 90 patients with SLE were randomly selected from our outpatient and inpatient clinics and divided according to SLE Disease Activity Index (SLE-DAI-2000) scores: group A, stable (scores 0-4); group B, mildly active stage (scores 5-9); and group C, moderately active stage (scores ≥10). Each group included 30 patients. Further, 30 sex- and age-matched healthy individuals who were referred for check-ups at the same period were selected as controls (group D). The minimum age for entry into the group was 17 years old. Autostrain LV and three-dimensional quantitative analysis (3DQA) were applied to obtain left ventricular systolic function parameters, information on strain parameters, and correlations between parameters. Simultaneity parameters measured by Autostrain LV and 3DQA were tested for reproducibility.

RESULTS

A two-by-two comparison of groups A-C showed that as the disease activity score increased, AP4LS%, AP2LS%, AP3LS%, and the LV mean overall longitudinal strain all gradually decreased, while LV longitudinal strain peak time standard deviation (Tls-SD) gradually increased, with all differences being statistically significant (p < .05). In groups A-C compared with controls, Tmsv-17-SD, Tmsv-17-Dif, Tmsv-17-SD%, and Tmsv-17-Dif% were all significantly prolonged (p < .05). Further, Tls-SD was positively correlated with Tmsv-17-SD and Tmsv-17-Dif, and there was good agreement between Autostrain and 3DQA for the measurement of left ventricular synchrony indexes, with Tmsv-17-Dif having the best repeatability (intraobserver interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = .979; interobserver ICC = .848, p < .01).

CONCLUSION

Autostrain LV can accurately detect changes in left ventricular myocardial strain in patients with SLE early in the disease, with simple operation. The 3DQA technique can quantitatively evaluate left ventricular systolic synchronization in patients with SLE, and Autostrain LV synchronization index measurements correlate significantly with 3DQA. Both methods are reproducible, but 3DQA is more sensitive to left ventricular synchronous motion changes.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pulmonary Hypertension

Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) is a common manifestation in patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and varies from asymptomatic to life-threatening disease. PH can result not only from immune system dysregulation, but also from various conditions, including cardiorespiratory disorders and thromboembolic diseases. Most commonly, SLE-related PH presents with non-specific symptoms, such as progressive dyspnea on exertion, generalized fatigue and weakness and eventually dyspnea at rest. Prompt diagnosis of SLE-related PH and early identification of the underlying pathogenetic mechanisms is demanded in order to introduce targeted therapy to prevent irreversible pulmonary vascular damage. In most cases the management of PH in SLE patients is similar to idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Furthermore, specific diagnostic tools like biomarkers or screening protocols, to establish early diagnosis seem to be not available yet. Although, the survival rates for patients with SLE-related PH vary between studies, it is evident that PH presence negatively affects the survival of SLE patients.

2023 Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and Taiwan College of Rheumatology (TCR) Joint Consensus on Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Background

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), defined as the presence of a mean pulmonary artery pressure > 20 mmHg, pulmonary artery wedge pressure ≤ 15 mmHg, and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) > 2 Wood units based on expert consensus, is characterized by a progressive and sustained increase in PVR, which may lead to right heart failure and death. PAH is a well-known complication of connective tissue diseases (CTDs), such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and other autoimmune conditions. In the past few years, tremendous progress in the understanding of PAH pathogenesis has been made, with various novel diagnostic and screening methods for the early detection of PAH proposed worldwide.

Objectives

This study aimed to obtain a comprehensive understanding and provide recommendations for the management of CTD-PAH in Taiwan, focusing on its clinical importance, prognosis, risk stratification, diagnostic and screening algorithm, and pharmacological treatment.

Methods

The members of the Taiwan Society of Cardiology (TSOC) and Taiwan College of Rheumatology (TCR) reviewed the related literature thoroughly and integrated clinical trial evidence and real-world clinical experience for the development of this consensus.

Conclusions

Early detection by regularly screening at-risk patients with incorporations of relevant autoantibodies and biomarkers may lead to better outcomes of CTD-PAH. This consensus proposed specific screening flowcharts for different types of CTDs, the risk assessment tools applicable to the clinical scenario in Taiwan, and a recommendation of medications in the management of CTD-PAH.

The Role of Anti-U1 RNP Antibody in Connective Tissue Disease-Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Connective tissue disease (CTD) patients may suffer from pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a serious complication, and anti-U1 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibodies can be used as a potential indicator for the development and prognosis of CTD-associated PAH (CTD-PAH). However, there are still some controversies; thus, a systematic review and meta-analysis were performed. We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Scopus for eligible studies and assessed their quality using Newcastle−Ottawa scales or Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality indicators according to the type of research. Odds ratio (OR) was adopted as a measure of effect in risk factor analysis, and hazard ratio (HR) was adopted for prognostic factor analysis. Publication bias was evaluated using the Egger’s test. Thirteen studies were finally included. Anti-U1 RNP antibody was proved as a risk factor for PAH among CTD patients (OR = 5.30, 95%CI 2.96−9.48, p < 0.05) and a protective factor against mortality among CTD-PAH patients (HR = 0.55, 95%CI 0.36−0.83, p < 0.05). CTD patients with positive anti-U1 RNP antibodies are at high risk for PAH, so routine screening examinations, including echocardiography, are recommended. Additionally, anti-U1 RNP positivity has been linked to decreased mortality in patients with CTD-PAH.

Risk factors of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus

OBJECTIVES

Pulmonary arterial hypertension symptoms in systemic lupus erythematosus patients are non-specific and early diagnosis and intervention are challenging. It remains essential to explore risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients to identify high risk patients and allow intensive monitoring.

METHODS

From January 2010 to December 2018, 84 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and pulmonary arterial hypertension and 160 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus but without pulmonary arterial hypertension were enrolled. Clinical manifestations and laboratory test results were compared between the two groups to identify predictors of pulmonary arterial hypertension. Candidate pulmonary arterial hypertension risk factors were further compared among systemic lupus erythematosus-pulmonary arterial hypertension patients with different characteristics.

RESULTS

Among collected patient characteristics, Raynaud's phenomenon (OR 2.32, 95% CI: 1.17-4.61), digital vasculitis (OR 4.12, 95% CI: 1.48-11.49), pericardial effusion, pulmonary interstitial lesions, positive anti-u1 ribonucleoprotein antibodies, and positive anticardiolipin antibodies immunoglobulin G were associated with significantly higher risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Among these candidate risk factors, positive anti-u1 ribonucleoprotein antibody was independently associated with severe pulmonary arterial hypertension and more active disease. Digital vasculitis was independently associated with systemic lupus erythematosus alleviation, while pericardial effusion was associated with systemic lupus erythematosus deterioration. Pericardial effusion was associated with longer pulmonary arterial hypertension duration.

CONCLUSION

The significant association between studied clinical and laboratory indicators and risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension and systemic lupus erythematosus characteristics suggested that these factors can be used to identify patients at higher risk of pulmonary arterial hypertension and adverse outcomes. Close monitoring may be indicated in patients with these risk factors, especially with more than one risk factor.

Exploration of the Shared Gene Signatures and Molecular Mechanisms Between Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Evidence From Transcriptome Data

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease that can affect multiple systems. Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has a close linkage with SLE. However, the inter-relational mechanisms between them are still unclear. This article aimed to explore the shared gene signatures and potential molecular mechanisms in SLE and PAH.

Methods

The microarray data of SLE and PAH in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were downloaded. The Weighted Gene Co-Expression Network Analysis (WGCNA) was used to identify the co-expression modules related to SLE and PAH. The shared genes existing in the SLE and PAH were performed an enrichment analysis by ClueGO software, and their unique genes were also performed with biological processes analyses using the DAVID website. The results were validated in another cohort by differential gene analysis. Moreover, the common microRNAs (miRNAs) in SLE and PAH were obtained from the Human microRNA Disease Database (HMDD) and the target genes of whom were predicted through the miRTarbase. Finally, we constructed the common miRNAs–mRNAs network with the overlapped genes in target and shared genes.

Results

Using WGCNA, four modules and one module were identified as the significant modules with SLE and PAH, respectively. A ClueGO enrichment analysis of shared genes reported that highly activated type I IFN response was a common feature in the pathophysiology of SLE and PAH. The results of differential analysis in another cohort were extremely similar to them. We also proposed a disease road model for the possible mechanism of PAH secondary to SLE according to the shared and unique gene signatures in SLE and PAH. The miRNA–mRNA network showed that hsa-miR-146a might regulate the shared IFN-induced genes, which might play an important role in PAH secondary to SLE.

Conclusion

Our work firstly revealed the high IFN response in SLE patients might be a crucial susceptible factor for PAH and identified novel gene candidates that could be used as biomarkers or potential therapeutic targets.

Nailfold capillaroscopy changes associated with anti-RNP antibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus

Anti-U1RNP antibody is associated with distinct organ involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nailfold capillaroscopy (NFC) allows non-invasive assessment of microvascular abnormalities in several connective tissue diseases. The objective of this study is to determine the association of anti-U1RNP antibody with microvascular changes by NFC in RNP-positive SLE patients in comparison with RNP-negative SLE patients (negative disease controls) and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) cases (positive disease controls). NFC examination was performed in consecutive patients with SLE with or without anti-U1RNP positivity. MCTD patients were recruited as disease controls. Abnormalities noted in the three groups were compared using non-parametric tests. Ordinal logistic or linear regression was used wherever applicable. 81 patients were studied, of whom 28 were diagnosed as RNP-positive SLE (age 30.0 ± 10.37; 26 females), 26 were RNP-negative SLE (age 29.42 ± 9.20; 25 females) and 27 had MCTD (age36.5 ± 9.70; 25 females). RNP-positive SLE patients had more frequent giant capillaries, enlarged capillaries and ramified capillaries as compared to RNP-negative SLE (p = 0.05, < 0.01 and 0.03, respectively). The capillary density was lower in patients with MCTD as compared with patients with RNP-positive SLE (5.11 ± 1.69/mm vs 7.25 ± 1.38/ mm, p < 0.01) and RNP-negative SLE (8.92 ± 1.13/mm, p < 0.01). The reduction in capillary density was less severe in patients with RNP-negative SLE as compared with RNP-positive SLE (OR = 0.1058 [95% CI = 0.02-0.546], p < 0.01) which was independent of the presence of Raynaud's phenomenon, interstitial lung disease and disease duration. Presence of anti-U1RNP antibody is associated with notable patterns of microvascular abnormalities in SLE. These NFC abnormalities are noted more profoundly in patients with MCTD and are less marked in RNP-negative SLE patients.

2020 Chinese Expert-based Consensus on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Connective Tissue Disease Associated Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a severe complication of connective tissue disease (CTD) and is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among patients with this condition. To establish an expert-based consensus on the diagnosis and treatment of CTD-associated PAH, a multidisciplinary consensus development panel was established. The consensus panel is composed of 45 experts in rheumatology, cardiology, pulmonology, and radiology, most of whom are members of the Group of Pulmonary Vascular and Interstitial Lung Diseases (ILD) Associated with Rheumatic Diseases. The consensus development panel compiled 9 recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of CTD-associated PAH. It covers screening, diagnosis, disease evaluation, risk assessment, the use of immunosuppressive agents, and PAH-specific therapy with a treat-to-target approach. The consensus is intended to facilitate decision-making and standardize the care of CTD-associated PAH in China.

Pulmonary hypertension in connective tissue diseases, new evidence and challenges

Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a lethal complication of different connective tissue diseases such as systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease and systemic lupus erythematosus. Although the treatment possibilities for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension have increased in the last two decades and survival of patients with idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension has improved, the latter is not the case for patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with connective tissue disease. In this narrative review, we review recent literature and describe the improvement of early diagnostic possibilities, screening modalities and treatment options. We also point out the pitfalls in diagnosis in this patient category and describe the unmet needs and what the focus of future research should be.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a multicentre cohort study from China

OBJECTIVES

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an important cause of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), which remains insufficiently studied and needs attention. This study aimed to investigate the clinical characteristics, risk factors, prognosis and risk assessment of pSS-PAH.

METHODS

We established a multicentre cohort of pSS-PAH diagnosed by right heart catheterisation. The case-control study was conducted with pSS-non-PAH patients as a control group to identify the risk factors for PAH. In the cohort study, survival was calculated, and risk assessment was performed at both baseline and follow-up visits.

RESULTS

In total, 103 patients with pSS-PAH were enrolled, with 526 pSS-non-PAH patients as controls. The presence of anti-SSB (p<0.001, OR 4.095) and anti-U1RNP antibodies (p<0.001, OR 29.518), the age of pSS onset (p<0.001, OR 0.651) and the positivity of corneal staining (p=0.003, OR 0.409) were identified as independent risk factors for PAH. The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 94.0%, 88.8% and 79.0%, respectively. Cardiac index (p=0.010, hazard ratio (HR) 0.161), pulmonary vascular resistance (p=0.016, HR 1.105) and Sjögren's syndrome disease damage index (p=0.006, HR 1.570) were identified as potential predictors of death in pSS-PAH. Long-term outcomes were improved in patients in the low-risk category at baseline (p=0.002) and follow-up (p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

The routine screening of PAH is suggested in pSS patients with early onset and positivity for anti-SSB or anti-U1RNP antibodies. Patient prognosis might be improved by improving reserved cardiopulmonary function, by achieving a damage-free state and especially by achieving low-risk category, which supports the treat-to-target strategy for pSS-PAH.

Management of Severe Refractory Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Real-World Experience and Literature Review

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a highly heterogeneous disease affecting multiple organs and is characterized by an aberrant immune response. Although the mortality of SLE has decreased significantly since the application of glucocorticoids, severe or refractory SLE can potentially cause irreversible organ damage and contribute to the disease morbidity and mortality. Early recognition of severe SLE or life-threatening conditions is of great challenge to clinicians since the onset symptoms can be rapid and aggressive, involving the visceral organs of the neuropsychiatric, gastrointestinal, hematologic, renal, pulmonary, and cardiovascular systems, etc. Additionally, SLE patients with specific comorbidities and detrimental complications could lead to a clinical dilemma and contribute to poor prognosis. Prompt and adequate treatment for severe refractory SLE is crucial for a better prognosis. However, as evidence from well-designed randomized controlled trials is limited, this review aims to provide real-world evidence based on cohort studies from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, the national tertiary referral center in China, together with the literature, on clinical characteristics, risks and prognostic factors, and treatment strategies for severe and/or refractory SLE.

Serum uric acid is associated with disease severity and may predict clinical outcome in patients of pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to connective tissue disease in Chinese: a single-center retrospective study

Background

Previous studies have shown that serum uric acid (UA) levels are correlated with the severity of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) and are predictors of disease prognosis. Still, few studies have explored the value of serum UA in pulmonary arterial hypertension secondary to connective tissue disease (CTD-PAH). This retrospective study aimed to investigate the clinical value of serum UA levels in patients with CTD-PAH.

Methods

Fifty CTD-PAH patients were enrolled in our study, from which baseline UA levels, respective variations, and additional clinical data were collected. The potential association between baseline UA level and severity of CTD-PAH was investigated. Furthermore, the relationship between baseline UA and survival rate of CTD-PAH patients, as well as between UA variations and survival rate of pulmonary hypertension secondary to connective tissue disease (CTD-PH) patients was discussed.

Results

Baseline serum UA levels were positively correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). During the follow-up period, 3 CTD-PAH and 12 CTD-PH patients died. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed lower survival rate in patients with hyperuricemia than in patients with normouricemia, in both groups (CTD-PAH group p = 0.041, CTD-PH group p = 0.013). Concerning serum UA variations, patients with persistent hyperuricemia showed the lowest survival rate when compared with patients with steady normouricemia (p = 0.01) or patients with decresing serum UA levels, i.e. undergoing from a status of hyperuricemia to a status of normouricemia (p = 0.023).

Conclusion

Baseline serum UA levels might predict severity of CTD-PAH. Together with baseline values, changes of uric acid level may predict the clinical prognosis of the disease.

[The place of riociguat in the treatment of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic connective tissue diseases]

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) can develop in different systemic autoimmune rheumatic diseases (SARD), such as systemic scleroderma (SSD), systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease In most cases, patients with SARD develop WHO group I PH (pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with systemic connective tissue diseases, PAH-SCTD). General prevalence of this pathology reaches 15 cases per million adults. Most cases of PAH-SCTD are induced by SSD. Survival of PAH-SCTD patients is generally lower than survival of patients with other forms of LAH. Treatment of any SARD, including in LAH, implies a complex approach using glucocorticoids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (cyclophosphamide, methotrexate, azathioprine, and others), and genetically engineered biologics. Specific targeted therapy is indicated for most patients with PAH-SCTD. The representative of a new class (soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulators), riociguat, has been approved for the treatment of PAH. This drug has a unique double mechanism of action: (i) sGC sensibilization to endogenous nitric oxide (NO) by stabilizing the NO-sGC bond; and (ii) direct, NO-independent sGC stimulation. For patients with PAH-SCTD, riociguat is the major alternative to phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors both as monotherapy and combination therapy.

Pristane/Hypoxia (PriHx) Mouse as a Novel Model of Pulmonary Hypertension Reflecting Inflammation and Fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), particularly connective tissue disease-associated PAH (CTD-PAH), is a progressive disease and novel therapeutic agents based on the specific molecular pathogenesis are desired. In the pathogenesis of CTD-PAH, inflammation, immune cell abnormality, and fibrosis play important roles. However, the existing mouse pulmonary hypertension (PH) models do not reflect these features enough. The relationship between inflammation and hypoxia is still unclear.Methods and Results:Intraperitoneal administration of pristane, a kind of mineral oil, and exposure to chronic hypoxia were combined, and this model is referred to as pristane/hypoxia (PriHx) mice. Hemodynamic and histological analyses showed that the PriHx mice showed a more severe phenotype of PH than pristane or hypoxia alone. Immunohistological and flow cytometric analyses revealed infiltration of immune cells, including hemosiderin-laden macrophages and activated CD4⁺helper T lymphocytes in the lungs of PriHx mice. Pristane administration exacerbated lung fibrosis and elevated the expression of fibrosis-related genes. Inflammation-related genes such asIl6andCxcl2were also upregulated in the lungs of PriHx mice, and interleukin (IL)-6 blockade by monoclonal anti-IL-6 receptor antibody MR16-1 ameliorated PH of PriHx mice.

CONCLUSIONS

A PriHx model, a novel mouse model of PH reflecting the pathological features of CTD-PAH, was developed through a combination of pristane administration and exposure to chronic hypoxia.

Comprehensive expression profile of long non-coding RNAs in Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus

Background

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as critical regulators of gene expression in the immune system, but their impact on neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) remains unknown.

Methods

RNA sequencing analysis was used to screen the comprehensive expression profile of lncRNAs and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from NPSLE patients, active SLE patients who had never experienced neuropsychiatric manifestations (Non-NPSLE) and healthy controls. Differentially expressed (DE) lncRNA levels were validated by qRT-PCR in 26 NPSLE patients, 31 Non-NPSLE patients and 30 healthy controls. Further, correlations of DE lncRNAs with clinical manifestations of NPSLE patients were analyzed. Finally, a bioinformatic analysis was performed to investigate the potential functions of DE genes.

Results

Four hundred and fifty-one lncRNAs and 272 mRNAs were DE between the NPSLE patients and Non-NPSLE patients, among which, significantly upregulated expression levels of NONHSAT208182.1, NONHSAT182114.1, NONHSAT106801.2, NONHSAT039491.2, ENST00000356215, NONHSAT087499.2 and NONHSAT207026.1 while downregulated expression levels of NONHSAT001281.2 and NONHSAT024353.2 were further validated in PBMCs from NPSLE patients by qRT-PCR. Bioinformatic analysis suggested several gene ontology (GO) terms and signal pathways may play important roles in NPSLE development. Co-expression networks analysis indicated that 170 lncRNAs and 46 mRNAs were included in the co-expression network. The expression level of NONHSAT039491.2 was associated with the activity of SLE and the presence of anti-dsDNA, anti-RNP antibody, dizziness and headache. NONHSAT087499.2 level correlated with anti-RNA antibody, ENST00000356215 level correlated with olfactory threshold and oral ulcer. NONHSAT208182.1 level correlated with the presence of fever, unstable walking and urinary red blood cells. NONHSAT106801.2 correlated with frequency of B cells and the presence of fever. NONHSAT024353.2 level was associated with serum IgG levels and the presence of anti-SSA and disorder of consciousness.

Conclusions

Our data provided comprehensive evidence regarding the differential expression of lncRNAs in PBMCs from NPSLE patients, indicating that these DE lncRNAs may play roles in NPSLE development. Our finding shed light on the understanding of the molecular mechanisms of lncRNAs in the pathogenesis of NPSLE.

A canonical correlation analysis of the relationship between clinical attributes and patient-specific hemodynamic indices in adult pulmonary hypertension

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease affecting approximately 10-52 cases per million, with a higher incidence in women, and with a high mortality associated with right ventricle (RV) failure. In this work, we explore the relationship between hemodynamic indices, calculated from in silico models of the pulmonary circulation, and clinical attributes of RV workload and pathological traits. Thirty-four patient-specific pulmonary arterial tree geometries were reconstructed from computed tomography angiography images and used for volume meshing for subsequent computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. Data obtained from the CFD simulations were post-processed resulting in hemodynamic indices representative of the blood flow dynamics. A retrospective review of medical records was performed to collect the clinical variables measured or calculated from standard hospital examinations. Statistical analyses and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) were performed for the clinical variables and hemodynamic indices. Systolic pulmonary artery pressure (sPAP), diastolic pulmonary artery pressure (dPAP), cardiac output (CO), and stroke volume (SV) were moderately correlated with spatially averaged wall shear stress (0.60 ≤ R² ≤ 0.66; p < 0.05). Similarly, the CCA revealed a linear and strong relationship (ρ = 0.87; p << 0.001) between 5 clinical variables and 2 hemodynamic indices. To this end, in silico models of PH blood flow dynamics have a high potential for predicting the relevant clinical attributes of PH if analyzed in a group-wise manner using CCA.

Early echocardiographic detection of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus asymptomatic for cardiovascular disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a major complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and is now a leading cause of death for these patients. In this study, 23 SLE patients asymptomatic for CVD underwent a comprehensive echocardiographic examination to detect subclinical cardiac involvement. According to their SELENA-SLEDAI score, they were divided into two groups: SELENA-SLEDAI ≤ 12 (n = 13, 12 females) and SELENA-SLEDAI > 12 (n = 10, all females), indicative of mild-to-moderate and severe SLE, respectively. Patients in the latter group had significant increases in left ventricular (LV) mass, LV end-diastolic volume, left atrial volume and right heart parameters (pulmonary arterial pressure, tricuspid regurgitation velocity and diameter of the inferior cava) compared to the mild-to-moderate group. Alterations of the early to late diastolic trans-mitral flow velocity (E/A) were found in 39% of patients, equally distributed between the two groups. The Framingham score of all patients correlated directly with LV mass, interventricular septum thickness and posterior wall thickness, but did not significantly differ between patients with severe and mild-to-moderate SLE. These findings reveal the presence of early-stage, and thus clinically silent, diastolic dysfunction in patients with severe SLE. They demonstrate the poor predictive value of the Framingham score in CVD risk stratification of patients with SLE, thus highlighting the crucial role of echocardiography in the diagnostic workup of these patients.

Autoantibody clustering of lupus-associated pulmonary hypertension

Objective

To define the SLE phenotype associated with pulmonary hypertension using multiple autoantibodies.

Methods

207 (8%) patients with SLE with pulmonary hypertension, defined as a right ventricular systolic pressure greater than 40 mm Hg on transthoracic echocardiogram or as pulmonary artery dilatation on CT of the chest, were identified from the Hopkins Lupus Cohort (94.2% female; 56.5% African–American, 39% Caucasian; mean age 45.6 years). 53 patients were excluded from the clustering analysis due to incomplete autoantibody profiles. Agglomerative hierarchical clustering algorithm with Ward’s method was used to cluster the patients with pulmonary hypertension, based on their autoantibodies. Autoantibodies used in the clustering analysis included lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin, anti-beta 2 glycoprotein I, antidouble-stranded DNA, anti-Sm (anti-Smith), antiribonucleoprotein, false positive-rapid plasma reagin, anti-Ro, anti-La and hypocomplementaemia (C3 ever low or C4 ever low). The Dunn index was used to internally validate the clusters. Bootstrap resampling derived the mean Jaccard coefficient for each cluster. All analyses were performed in R V.3.6.1 using the packages cluster, fpc and gplots.

Results

A significantly higher prevalence of pulmonary hypertension in African–American patients with SLE, compared with Caucasian patients with SLE (11.5% vs 5.9%, p<0.0001), was found. Based on equivalent Dunn indices, the 154 patients with SLE-associated pulmonary hypertension with complete autoantibody data were divided into five clusters, three of which had mean Jaccard coefficients greater than 0.6. Hypocomplementaemia, renal disorder and age at diagnosis significantly differed across clusters. One cluster was defined by antiphospholipid antibodies. One cluster was defined by anti-Ro and anti-La. One cluster had low frequencies of all antibodies.

Conclusion

SLE-associated pulmonary hypertension disproportionately affects African–American patients. Pulmonary hypertension in SLE is defined by five autoantibody clusters. Antiphospholipid antibodies, anti-Ro and anti-La positivity, serological activity, and age at pulmonary hypertension diagnosis significantly differed across clusters, possibly indicating different pathophysiological mechanisms.

Pulmonary Involvement in Children With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Background: Symptomatic pulmonary involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) seems not uncommon in children. However, there are few data on the characteristics and laboratory parameters of SLE patients with pulmonary involvement. Methods: This was a hospital-based study involving 111 SLE patients from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2016. The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data of the patients were prospectively collected. They were followed as outpatients until December 2019. Clinical characteristics and laboratory parameters of patients with and without pulmonary involvement were compared. Results: Of the 111 patients with SLE, we identified 18 patients (16.2%) with pulmonary involvement. The most common HRCT findings were ground glass opacity, interlobular septal thickening, bilateral diffuse infiltrates, and pleurisy/pleural effusion (55.6, 50, 50, and 44.4%, respectively). SLE patients with pulmonary involvement tended to have a longer disease duration (14 [12-24.5] vs. 5 [2-9] months, P < 0.01). We also observed a significant association between the presence of anti-Sm antibody, ANCA, Anti-RNP and the presence of pulmonary involvement of SLE (all P < 0.001). Conclusions: Lung involvement was frequent in SLE patients from Southeast China. Patients with a longer duration of symptoms before SLE diagnosis tended to have pulmonary involvement. When children with SLE are found to have anti-RNP antibody and positive ANCA, it should be alert to the occurrence of pulmonary involvement.

Anti-enolase１antibodies from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus accompanied by pulmonary arterial hypertension promote migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an intractable complication in connective tissue diseases, but the pathological mechanisms responsible for progression remain obscure. This study aims to test whether patient IgG possesses biological activity promoting the migration of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs).

METHODS

Cell migration was estimated by lamellipodia formation and by utilizing a Boyden chamber method. The specificity of autoantibodies was established by western blotting, ELISA, and immunocytochemistry. The target antigen was investigated by mass spectrometry.

RESULTS

IgG obtained from a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accompanied by PAH was found to promote lamellipodia formation and migration of PASMCs. The IgG bound to a ∼50 kDa protein expressed on the cell membrane, and in the cytoplasm and nucleus. This molecule was identified as enolase 1. Removal of enolase 1-binding antibodies from the IgG fraction, or treatment of the cells with an enolase inhibitor, significantly suppressed the migration of PASMCs.

CONCLUSION

Patients with SLE may possess autoantibodies to enolase 1 which stimulate the migration of PASMCs and are likely to play a role in the progression of PAH.

Characteristics and risk factors for pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome: 15 new cases from a single center

AIM

This study aimed to retrospectively describe 15 new primary Sjögren's syndrome-pulmonary arterial hypertension (pSS-PAH) cases confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). Demographic and clinical characteristics were analyzed and risk factors for PAH in pSS were explored.

METHOD

We retrospectively described 15 new pSS-PAH cases confirmed by RHC referred to our institution between January 2013 and March 2018. We present PAH and pSS characteristics, hemodynamic evaluations, medical management, and outcomes. A matched case control study was carried out to determine the risk factors of PAH in pSS compared with pSS-non-PAH patients.

RESULTS

All patients were female with a mean age at PAH diagnosis of 52.9 ± 14.6 years. The delay between the first symptom and PAH diagnosis was 18.7 ± 19.7 months. The most common primary manifestation at PAH onset was exertional dyspnea (13/15). At diagnosis of PAH, PAH was severe with a mean pulmonary artery pressure of 48.8 ± 13.7 mm Hg (range, 27-72 mm Hg) and a mean cardiac index of 2.3 ± 0.6 L/min/m² (range, 1.47-3.41 L/min/m² ). Compared with the pSS-PAH without pericardial effusion, pSS-PAH with pericardial effusion had larger right arterial (53 [45-56.75] vs 38 [35.5-46.5], P = .018) and right ventricular sizes (47 [42.75-51.25] vs 36 [32.5-41], P = .007). Compared with the pSS non-PAH group, we identified 2 risk factors for PAH in pSS: pericardial effusion (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI], 14.29 [1.14-166.67], P = .039) and liver involvement (OR [95% CI], 14.71 [1.14-166.67], P = .035).

CONCLUSION

For pSS patients, PAH can be the first manifestation. We believe that systemic evaluation, especially in patients with pericardial effusion and liver involvement, is important to identify high-risk patients for PAH, improving their prognosis.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus based on a CSTAR-PAH study: Baseline characteristics and risk factors

AIM

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a complex and devastating complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We sought to describe the baseline characteristics of right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed SLE-associated PAH and identify risk factors for PAH in SLE patients.

METHODS

A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted using the Chinese SLE Treatment and Research group (CSTAR) registry. Baseline data for patients with SLE-associated PAH and SLE patients without PAH were collected and compared. Risk factors for PAH among patients with SLE were identified.

RESULTS

A total of 292 patients with SLE-associated PAH were enrolled. RHC was used to reveal hemodynamic features, including mean pulmonary arterial pressure (46.2 ± 12.0 mm Hg), pulmonary arterial wedge pressure (7.84 ± 3.92 mm Hg), pulmonary vascular resistance (10.86 ± 5.57 Wood units), and cardiac index (2.77 ± 0.91 L/min × m² ). A multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that serositis (odds ratio [OR] = 5.524, 95% CI 3.605-8.465, P < 0.001), anti-ribonucleoprotein (RNP) antibody positivity (OR = 13.332, 95% CI 9.500-18.710, P < 0.001), and diffusion capacity of carbon monoxide in the lung (DLCO)/%Pred <70% (OR = 10.018, 95% CI 6.619-15.162, P < 0.001) were independent predictors of PAH. We recommend using transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) to perform early screening of SLE patients who have serositis, anti-RNP antibody positivity, or DLCO/%Pred <70%. RHC is suggested for patients suspected of having PAH. Once a diagnosis of SLE-PAH is confirmed, evaluation and treatment should immediately begin.

CONCLUSION

Overall, we recommend performing early screening using TTE in SLE patients with serositis, anti-RNP antibodies, or a DLCO/%Pred <70%, even for patients in a relatively stable condition according to SLE disease activity index.

The Differential Influence of Immunological Process of Autoimmune Disease on Lipid Metabolism: A Study on RA and SLE

Metabolic parameters like uric acid, lipids and homocysteine are influenced by immunopathological mechanisms underlying the autoimmune disease processes. The current study examined the differences in these parameters and the correlation between inflammatory and metabolic variables in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The cross-sectional prospective study included 24 treatment-naïve patients with moderate to severe diseases-15 subjects had RA and 9 had SLE. Atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) was used to assess the cardiovascular risk of the patients. Spearman's correlation was performed to verify the relationship between inflammatory and metabolic parameters. A two-tailed P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant for all the analysis. SLE patients had higher uric acid levels, very low density lipoprotein-cholesterol, total cholesterol/high density lipoprotein-cholesterol ratio (TC/HDL-C) and logarithmic ratio of triglycerides to HDL-cholesterol (log[TG/HDL-C]) than RA. Whereas, reduced total lymphocyte count, lipoprotein(a), and low density lipoprotein cholesterol were noted in the former than latter group. Majority of the SLE patients had increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (> 0.24 AIP score) and RA patients in comparison had lower risk. Correlation among serum uric acid, lipid profile constituents and AIP was noted. The immunological process of SLE has greater impact on the metabolic parameters. Higher uric acid levels are suggestive of dysfunctional lipid profile. Understanding the implications of risk factors and its inflammatory role in autoimmune processes may assist in disease management.

Pulmonary arterial hypertension in connective tissue disorders: Pathophysiology and treatment

IMPACT STATEMENT

Our article focuses on the pathogenesis and treatment of CTD-PAH. In the latest ESC/ESR guidelines for PAH, the authors underline that although CTD-PAH should follow the same treatment protocol as idiopathic PAH, the therapeutic approach is more complex and difficult in the former. This review throws light on several peculiar aspects of CTD-PAH and the latest findings in the pathogenesis, namely, the role of inflammation in the maladaptive right ventricle remodeling in SSc-PAH where immunosuppressants are classically believed to be ineffective. Furthermore, we discuss the major critical points in the therapy of CTD-PAH which is one of the strengths of our article. To the best of our knowledge, there are no other reviews that exclusively focus on the pathogenesis and treatment of CTD-PAH patients, with an emphasis on the more critical issues. Thus, it is our contention that our work would be of interest to the readers.

Cardiac Manifestations in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Clinical Correlates of Subclinical Echocardiographic Features

Objectives

This study aims to correlate subclinical echocardiographic features with the clinical, laboratory, and therapeutic profiles of the patients to characterize risks for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) cardiac diseases.

Methods

The study included 59 SLE patients. Demographic data, disease characteristics, and current therapies were recorded, and the anthropometric measurements and routine laboratory tests were performed. The disease activity by the SLE Disease Activity Index-2K (SLEDAI2K) and the presence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were assessed. Two-dimensional echocardiography was performed.

Results

The mean age of the patients was 31.3 ± 10.5 years, and the disease duration was 5.18 ± 4.1 years. 86.4% of the patients were females. Cardiac presentations by echocardiography were mainly mitral regurgitation (33.9%), tricuspid regurgitation (32.2%), mitral thickening (18.6%), aortic thickening (13.6%), pericardial effusion (13.6%), and pulmonary hypertension (8.5%) in order of frequency. The frequency of different echocardiographic findings with respect to other clinical phenotypes showed peaks with renal disease, MetS, and leukopenia. Components of MetS (triglycerides, high systolic blood pressure) and avascular necrosis were significant predictors for pericardial diseases (OR=1.011 CI 95% 1-1.022, p=0.046, OR=1.157 CI 95% 1.025-1.307, p=0.018, and OR=74.78 CI 95% 2.52-2215.76, p=0.013, respectively), and it is likely that hydroxychloroquine was protective against them. Age of the patients was a significant predictor for tricuspid regurgitation (OR=1.063 CI 95% 1.004-1.126, p=0.036). Mucosal ulcers were negative predictors for mitral thickening and regurgitation (OR=0.2 CI 95% 0.059-0.673, p=0.009). The use of corticosteroids appeared to protect against a number of valve lesions especially tricuspid regurgitation (OR=0.299 CI 95% 0.088-1.019, p=0.054).

Conclusion

This study highlighted different echocardiographic features and identified clinical predictors of different cardiac pathologies aiming to determine patients at risk and improve the prognosis of SLE cardiac diseases.

Update of screening and diagnostic modalities for connective tissue disease-associated pulmonary arterial hypertension

OBJECTIVE

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) has high morbidity and mortality in connective tissue diseases (CTDs), especially systemic sclerosis (SSc). In this systematic review, we provide an update on screening measures for early detection of PAH in CTD.

METHODS

Manuscripts published between July 2012 and October 2017, which incorporated screening measures to identify patients with PAH by right heart catheterization, were identified. Risk of bias was assessed using the QUADAS-2 tool.

RESULTS

The systematic review resulted in 1514 unique citations and 22 manuscripts were included for final review; the majority of manuscripts had a lower risk of bias based on the QUADAS-2 tool. There were 16 SSc cohort studies and 6 case-control studies (SSc 4, SLE 2). Four SSc cohort studies evaluated transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) only. Eight SSc cohort studies evaluated composite measures including ASIG, DETECT, and a combination of tricuspid regurgitation velocity (TRV) and PFT variables. DETECT and ASIG had greater sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) compared to the 2009 ESC/ERS guidelines in different cohorts. The addition of PFT variables, such as DLCO or FVC/ DLCO ratio, to TRV, resulted in greater sensitivity and NPV compared to TRV alone.

CONCLUSION

Current screening for PAH in CTDs is centered on SSc. Data continues to support the use of TTE and provides additional evidence for use of composite measures.

Assessment of Right Atrium Function in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus With Different Pulmonary Artery Systolic Pressures by 2-Dimensional Speckle-Tracking Echocardiography

OBJECTIVES

To assess right atrium (RA) function of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH) by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

METHODS

Thirty matched healthy adults were selected as group A. Then, 102 patients with SLE were divided into 3 groups according to the severity of PAH. Group B included 37 patients without PAH (pulmonary artery [PA] systolic pressure ≤ 30 mm Hg); group C included 34 patients with PAH (PA systolic pressure of 30-50 mm Hg); and group D included 31 patients with PAH (PA systolic pressure ≥ 50 mm Hg). Parameters evaluated included RA maximum volume, minimum volume, preatrial contraction volume, passive ejection fraction (EF), and active EF. The global peak longitudinal systolic strain rate and early and late diastolic strain rates of the RA were obtained by 2-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography.

RESULTS

No significant differences were found in all parameters between groups B and A (P > .05). The RA maximum volume, minimum volume, preatrial contraction volume, active EF, and late diastolic strain rate in groups C and D were significantly increased compared with those in groups A and B, and the parameters in group D were significantly higher than those in group C (P < .05). Although the RA passive EF, early diastolic strain rate, and systolic strain rate in groups C and D were significantly decreased compared with those in groups A and B, those in group D were significantly lower than those in group C (P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Two-dimensional speckle-tracking echocardiography could effectively assess RA function in patients with SLE who have different severities of PAH.

Factors associated with development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension in systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Objectives

This study aims to identify the factors associated with the development and mortality of pulmonary hypertension (PH) in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients.

Methods

We conducted a prospective study of SLE patients in a single tertiary center. PH was defined as a systolic pulmonary arterial pressure ≥30 mmHg on transthoracic echocardiography. We assessed potential associated factors contributing to the development and mortality of PH in SLE patients.

Results

Of 1110 patients with SLE, 48 patients were identified to have PH. Multivariable analysis indicated that pleuritis or pericarditis (odds ratio (OR) = 4.62), anti-RNP antibody (OR = 2.42), interstitial lung disease (ILD) (OR = 8.34) and cerebro-cardiovascular disease (OR = 13.37) were independently associated with the development of PH in SLE. Subgroup analysis among patients with PH demonstrated that there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE.

Conclusions

The prevalence of PH was 4.3% in our cohort. There were significant associations with pleuritis or pericarditis, anti-RNP antibody, ILD, and cerebro-cardiovascular disease in SLE, which may contribute to the development of PH. However, there were no statistically significant factors associated with PH mortality in SLE.

Characteristics and risk factors of pulmonary arterial hypertension in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome

AIM

To describe baseline characteristics of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) with right heart catheterization (RHC)-confirmed pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and explore risk factors for PAH in pSS.

METHODS

This case-control study included consecutive patients hospitalized with pSS-PAH from 2007 to 2015, and pSS patients without PAH (in a 4 : 1 ratio) as controls. All patients fulfilled the 2002 American-European Consensus Group classification criteria for pSS-PAH was defined according to RHC-based European Society of Cardiology/European Respiratory Society guidelines. Associated variables were analyzed by univariate binary logistic regression to identify possible risk factors for PAH.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine patients with RHC-confirmed pSS-PAH were included (mean age at onset, 38.4 ± 8.3 years; mean pSS duration, 54.6 months). PAH was the initial manifestation of pSS in 12 patients (41.4%), and shortness of breath was the most common symptom (29/29, 100%). Mean pulmonary arterial pressure was 51.8 ± 10.0 mmHg, mean cardiac index was 2.3 ± 0.8 L/min/m² , and mean pulmonary vascular resistance was 13.0 ± 6.0 Wood units in this group. Treatments included immunosuppressive agents (93.1%) and PAH-targeted therapies (86.2%). We identified four independent risk factors for PAH in pSS: Raynaud's phenomenon (odds ratio [OR] = 9.660, P = 0.000), rheumatoid factor ≥ 200 U/mL (OR = 6.691, P = 0.001), hepatic injury (OR = 3.284, P = 0.008) and pericardial effusion (OR = 3.279, P = 0.016).

CONCLUSIONS

PAH can be the first manifestation of pSS. The pSS patients with Raynaud's phenomenon, high-titer rheumatoid factor, hepatic injury or pericardial effusion should be screened for PAH.

Characteristics of exercise capacity in female systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary arterial hypertension patients

BACKGROUND

To study the oxygen uptake efficiency and determine usefulness of submaximal parameters of oxygen uptake in systemic lupus erythematosus associated pulmonary arterial hypertension (SLE PAH) on performing a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET).

METHODS

CPET was performed in 21 SLE PAH patients, equal number of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH) patients and controls. Peak VO2, anaerobic threshold (AT), oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) and oxygen uptake efficiency plateau (OUEP) and other CPET parameters were examined. All subjects had pulmonary function test (PFT) at rest, which included FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, DLCO measurements. Right heart catheterization (RHC) was also done in SLE PAH and IPAH patients. CPET parameters were compared with RHC parameters to determine potential correlations.

RESULTS

Peak VO2, PETCO2 and peak O2 pulse were lower in SLE PAH than IPAH and controls with OUE being lower during all stages of exercise in SLE PAH. DLCO and FVC values were significantly lower in SLE PAH (p < 0.05). Peak O2 pulse and VO2@AT in SLE PAH and IPAH was low (p < 0.05) and significant difference between SLE PAH and IPAH was seen (p < 0.05). PVR correlated with the lowest VE/VCO2, O2 pulse, peak PETCO2 and OUE in SLE PAH patients (all p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

SLE PAH patients have cardiopulmonary exercise limitation with reduced oxygen uptake efficiency. VO2@ at AT, peak O2 pulse and O2 pulse at AT were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Key CPET parameters correlated with elevated pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR). Submaximal parameters of oxygen uptake are equally useful in SLE PAH.

Features associated with pulmonary arterial hypertension in Chinese hospitalized systemic lupus erythematosus patients

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is an increasingly recognized complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study aims to estimate the point prevalence of PAH and identify risk factors for PAH in a large cohort of hospitalized SLE patients. We have collected the medical records of patients hospitalized with SLE at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Anhui Provincial Hospital. Resting transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) was used to estimate pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) and PAH was defined as systolic PAP (PASP) > 30 mmHg. Patients with other connective tissue diseases, aPL syndrome, left heart disease, valvular heart disease, congenital heart disease, HIV, and portal hypertension were excluded because of diseases affecting the PAP. We assessed potential risk factors for PAH such as thrombogenic factors, SLE clinical manifestations, laboratory abnormalities and disease activity. Ninety-five were diagnosed with PAH of 1639 patients with SLE. The presence of high fibrinogen, serositis, and thrombocytopenia were significantly higher in patients with PAH than in those without PAH (all P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression found the associations between high fibrinogen (OR = 1.629), serositis (OR = 2.866), and thrombocytopenia (OR = 1.825) with PAH. The point prevalence of PAH was 5.8% in our cohort of patients with SLE. The significant association of high fibrinogen, serositis, and thrombocytopenia with PAH suggested that hypercoagulable state, organ damage, and hematological abnormality may all contribute to the development of PAH in SLE. This is important, as it is treatable.

Evaluation of pulmonary artery pressure in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE)

Juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (jSLE) is a chronic multisystemic autoimmune disease. Previous studies among adults have shown impaired right ventricular (RV) function in patients with SLE. Also, these patients may develop pulmonary artery hypertension (PAH), which is one of the most threatening complications of SLE. Nevertheless, studies on PAH among jSLE patients are still rare. The aim of this study was to assess the RV function in jSLE patients by Doppler echocardiography (Echo Doppler). We also estimated pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) in these patients. A total of 38 jSLE patients and 40 sex- and age-matched controls were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent combined M-mode, cross-sectional echo, and Doppler Echo examination. The RV function was significantly impaired in jSLE patients compared to controls. PASP and mPAP were normal in 37 out of 38 patients (97.37%), however, the mean values of PASP and mPAP were significantly higher in jSLE patients compared to controls (26.90 mmHg versus 21.71 mmHg and 12.63 mmHg versus 9.89 mmHg, respectively) [p < 0.05]. Only one patient (2.6 %) had elevated mPAP (60 mmHg). The right cardiac catheterization confirmed PAH in this patient. Although PAH was detected only in one patient, there was a marked increase of PAP in our jSLE patients. Overall, PASP and mPAP were significantly higher in jSLE patients compared to healthy controls. Prospective studies with ethnically diverse cohorts could give more insight on the relevance of PAP and PHT in patients with jSLE.

The prognosis of pulmonary arterial hypertension associated with primary Sjögren's syndrome: a cohort study

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare and severe complication of primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS). Cohort studies indicate that the underlying diseases of PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD-PAH) in Asian countries are different from that in the United States and in Europe. This study investigated the clinical characteristics, survival, and prognostic factors of pSS-PAH in Chinese patients. We enrolled 29 patients with pSS-PAH who visited our referral center during August 2007 and May 2015. PAH was confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). Baseline demographic data, clinical manifestations, laboratory tests, autoantibody results, hemodynamics data, and treatment regimens were analyzed. All patients were followed up at the Department of Rheumatology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH) every three to six months. All patients were female. Mean age of pSS onset was 34.4 ± 11.1 years. Mean age of PAH diagnosed by RHC was 40.6 ± 9.0 years. There was no significant difference in age, disease duration, and hemodynamic findings between the survivors and the non-survivors in this cohort. The overall one-, three-, and five-year survival rates were 80.2%, 74.8%, and 67.4%, respectively. Prognostic factors of mortality were time between pSS onset and PAH onset (HR 1.102, 95% CI 1.017-1.185, p = 0.018) and cardiac index < 2 l/min/m² (HR 5.497, 95% CI 1.063-28.434, p = 0.042). In contrast, the use of immunosuppressants (HR 0.110, 95% CI 0.024-0.495, p = 0.004) was related to better survival. This study demonstrates that the predictors of mortality in patients with pSS-PAH include delayed onset of PAH in pSS and worse cardiac function. Immunosuppressants can improve the prognosis of pSS-PAH.

Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Associated With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results From the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a rare complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

METHODS

We identified all patients with SLE and PAH (SLE-PAH) who were enrolled in the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry with a diagnosis confirmed by right heart catheterization (RHC). A control group of 101 patients with SLE without known PAH was selected from SLE expert centers participating in the Pulmonary Hypertension Registry. Survival was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method. Hazard ratios associated with potential predictors of death were estimated using Cox proportional hazard models.

RESULTS

Of the 69 patients with SLE-PAH identified in the French Pulmonary Hypertension Registry, 51 were included in the study. They did not differ from the control group regarding age, sex, or duration of SLE at the time of the analysis but had a higher frequency of anti-SSA and anti-SSB antibodies. The delay between SLE diagnosis and PAH diagnosis was 4.9 years (range, 2.8-12.9) years. The 3- and 5-year overall survival rates were 89.4% (95% CI, 76.2%-96.5%) and 83.9% (95% CI, 68.8%-92.1%), respectively. The survival rate was significantly better in patients with anti-U1-RNP antibodies (P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with SLE-PAH have an overall 5-year survival rate of 83.9% after the PAH diagnosis. Anti-SSA/SSB antibodies may be a risk factor for PAH, and the presence of anti-U1-RNP antibodies appears to be a protective factor regarding survival.

Anti-SmD1 antibodies are associated with renal disorder, seizures, and pulmonary arterial hypertension in Chinese patients with active SLE

Detection of autoantibodies in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) plays an important role in timely diagnosis and earlier treatment of SLE. In this study, we used a SmD1 polypeptide-based ELISA to determine anti-SmD1 antibody in 269 SLE, including100 naïve (had not been treated with steroids or immunosuppressants at study inception) SLE patients and 169 non-naive SLE patients; 233 controls with other rheumatic diseases (RDC) (70 RA, 40 AS, 73SSc, and 50 SS), and 110 healthy controls (HC) group. The positive rate of anti-SmD1 among all SLE patients was 60.97%, higher than that in the RDC group (13.30%, P = 0.000) or the HC group (9.09%, P = 0.000). The positive rate of anti-SmD1 in non-naive SLE patients was higher than that for anti-dsDNA antibodies (44.97%, P = 0.03). Positivity for anti-SmD1 only was found in 14.00% of naive SLE patients and 16.00% of non-naive SLE patients. In naive SLE patients, the serum concentration of anti-SmD1 was lower after treatment than before treatment (P = 0.039). Active SLE patients positive for anti-SmD1 were more likely to have malar rash, rash, nonscarring alopecia, PAH and hypocomplementemia. High positivity for anti-SmD1 only in patients with SLE indicated the importance and necessity of detection of anti-SmD1 in patients with SLE.

Pulmonary hypertension associated with antiphospholipid antibody: Call for a screening tool?

Antiphospholipid (aPL) antibodies are antibodies specific for anionic phospholipids. They are immunoglobulins that attack phospholipids, phospholipid-binding proteins, or phospholipid-protein complexes and are detected in anticardiolipin and lupus anticoagulant assays. aPL antibodies are often associated with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) which can be idiopathic or from secondary causes such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), infection or drugs. They have also been shown to be associated with Pulmonary Hypertension. We conducted a review of the literature that included all articles on PubMed with keywords 'antiphospholipid antibody' and 'pulmonary hypertension' between January 1980 and July 2017 and identified 217 articles. A total of 47 articles were found to be relevant to the topic and included as references. We ascertained that aPL antibodies have been implicated in the development of both idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and PAH associated with connective tissue disease (CTD). aPL antibodies were also noted to be associated with left-sided valvular heart disease that can lead to pulmonary venous hypertension (PVH). Patients with anitiphospholipid antibody syndrome (Diagnostic criteria incudes +aPL antibodies) were noted to have a high risk of developing chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). A recent study also found a positive association of aPL antibodies with ILD and PH in patients with systemic sclerosis. While association between autoimmune thyroid disease and PH (Group V PH), and autoimmune thyroid disease and aPL antibodies is established, no studies linked these three phenomena together. Thus, aPL antibodies had an association with all WHO groups of Pulmonary hypertension (PH). In this review article, we study the association and discuss the need for screening for PH in patients with positive aPL antibodies.

[A clinical analysis of 15 children with systemic lupus erythematosus accompanied by pulmonary hypertension]

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the clinical features, laboratory findings, diagnosis and treatment, and prognosis of children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) accompanied by pulmonary hypertension (PH).

METHODS

The clinical symptoms, laboratory findings, echocardiographic features, SLE disease activity index, and treatment outcome of 15 hospitalized children with SLE accompanied by PH were retrospectively analyzed.

RESULTS

Among the 15 patients, the median interval from diagnosis of SLE to diagnosis of PH was 0.1 year (range: 0-6.5 years). Aside from PH-related symptoms, Raynaud's phenomenon was observed in 6 (40%) of the 15 patients. There was no significant difference in SLE disease activity (evaluated by complements 3 and 4 levels, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and positive rate of anti-double-stranded DNA) between patients with mild-to-moderate PH and those with severe PH (P<0.05). As for treatment, 13 patients received immunosuppressive therapy with glucocorticoids, and among them 2 patients received PH-targeted therapy. During a median follow-up of 8.0 years (range: 0.5-18.1 years) since the diagnosis of PH, 2 deaths were noted with class III or IV cardiac function (World Health Organization), while the other patients were in a stable condition.

CONCLUSIONS

Raynaud's phenomenon is a common clinical manifestation in children with SLE accompanied by pulmonary hypertension (PH). PH severity is not significantly associated with SLE disease activity, and thus greater focus should be placed upon early screening of pulmonary arterial pressure in SLE patients. Early diagnosis and early treatment can improve the prognosis of children with SLE.